My friend's 1913 Touring currently does not have a truss rod on the rear axle. It does however have holes on the backing plates for a truss rod to attach. These holes look very "factory" so I'm guessing a truss rod was originally intended. Looking at other T's it seems you rarely see any with truss rods, so, which years, if any, used them?

Jerry,

As far as I know, the 1906-1908 Model NR&S Ford rear axles came with them but the 1909 to 1927 USA axles did not use them. Even the pre-production Model T Sales folder http://mtfca.com/books/1909.htm that shows the T with the NRS style axle, did NOT have the truss rods. Nor is there any mention of a Truss Rod in Bruce’s on line encyclopedia http://mtfca.com/encyclo/P-R.htm#rax1 but something may be discovered in the future as several items listed there were used for a very short time.

When I get caught up, I will check Bruce's CD price list to see if it has any listed, but so far I don't ever remember seeing a factory one listed for a T. They were a popular accessory.

Respectfully submitted,
Hap Tucker 1915 Model T Ford touring cut off and made into a pickup truck and 1907 Model S Runabout